USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,. > Part 59
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THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GRINNELL, IOWA.
From the first settlement of the town, says the Grinnell Independent of - August 18, 1880, Christian people of all denominations worshiped with the Congregationalists, who constituted the first religious society. The opinions of persons differing in relation to some of the ordinances of God's house, were not conspicuous when the city was small, but with the increase of population came also people of all Protestant denominations and even Catholics, to make this their home.
In April, 1858, several Baptists, led by Oliver Langworthy, Deacon Charles D. Kelsey, and others, conceived the idea of organizing a Baptist
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
Church. Accordingly Mr. Kelsey wrote to Rev. Dr. J. A. Nash, of Fort Des Moines, to come and aid in the undertaking. A favorable reply was received, and notice of a meeting in the school-house was given out for all Baptists living in the vicinity to be present and unite in the organization of a church. Dr. Nash filled the appointment May 15, 1858, and after preaching a sermon to the people the First Baptist Church was organized with the names of the following original members:
C. V. Smith, G. W. Cook, Electa C. Cook, Maria Langworthy, O. B. Watrous, Minerva Watrous, Geo. N. Dowd, Deborah Hayes, Charles D. Kelsey, Lucy L. Kelsey, Olive Bailey, Laura L. Delahoyde, Phœbe B. Smith, John T. Hays, Oliver Langworthy, Maria A. Langworthy, Sarah Perkins, R. G. Perkins, Sarah Hayes, Nancy L. Perkins, Luther Stowe, Phobe Stowe, Ruth Stowe, James W. Dowd, Almira Perkins.
For some time after the organization, meetings were held in the school- house, one afternoon service in every two weeks. The first baptisms were in the open field just east of the present college buildings. There being no large stream of water in the vicinity, a suitable place was excavated by Oliver Langworthy and Chas. D. Kelsey, in the bed of what was at that season of the year a streamlet. Planks were laid for a floor and driven down at the sides of the pool to keep the earth from sliding in, and there, in the audience of a large congregation with solemn and impressive cere- monies, the ordinance of Christian baptism was administered, in accord- ance with their understanding of the Sacred Book, which says: "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Rev. Thos Brande who has all the way along, even to the present time, rendered such fatherly service to the church, was its first pastor, accepting no stated salary but the promise of such remuneration as the weak financial standing of its members could afford. Rev. F. D. Rickerson accepted a call to the pastorate in the summer of 1858 and preached the Word to his little flock for two years.
Preparations for erecting a house of worship began in the fall of 1858, and before the next April a neat little church was completed on the corner of Second Avenue and West Street. This was the first church building in Grinnell. The church was dedicated April 23, 1859, by Revs. E. Gunn, G. G. Edwards, J. Ellis Guild, I. J. Stoddard, and the pastor, F. D. Ricker- son.
Since the first dedication pastors have succeeded one another as follows: G. G. Edwards, R. D. Hartshorn, R. Turner, L. S. Livermore, Thomas
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
Brande, and H. C. Leland, who is at present pastor. Rev. Thomas Brande was pastor about twelve years altogether.
In October, 1864, the church was removed from its first location to the present site, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Park Street. The ground where it first stood, is occupied by the residence of Mr. J. J. Wheeler. The church underwent material improvements during the months of Octo- ber and November, 1879, at a cost of $1,000. It was enlarged on both wings, repainted, carpeted, papered, and many new seats were added. Now it has a seating capacity of 400, an infant class-room, a library, baptistry and pump, communion set, organ, and devotional singing books, kitchen with cook stove, table crockery for festivals, and though the building's out- ward appearance is unassuming, its inside arrangement is truly attractive and convenient. After the improvements it was re-dedicated November 23, 1879, by Rev. O. A. Holmes, of Tama City, and the pastor.
The present deacons are, C. D. Kelsey, Edward Davis, Prof. R. W. Swan, G. H. Onthank, C. V. Smith, and William Rafferty. The present church clerk is C. D. Kelsey.
The sabbath-school, with an average attendance of 147, meets every Lord's Day at 12 o'clock, and is in a flourishing condition. The first Superintendent was C. D. Kelsey, and since that time the following per- sons have filled that office in order of their names: C. V. Smith, Charles Cooper, S. Q. Payne, C. D. Martin, Mrs. Thos. Brande, N. M. Cass, G. H. Onthank, Prof. R. W. Swan, S. K. Davis, and L. Kimball, present Superin- tendent. G. H. Onthank is the present Secretary and Librarian. The library consists of 200 volumes. Teachers' Bible meeting every Tuesday evening.
The present pastor, Rev. H. C. Leland, commenced his labors here May 16, 1879, with a salary of $800, but for the second year it has been increased to $1,000-a wide contrast from the few dollars Rev. Thomas Brande, the first pastor, received for his services. In the past year the church and so- ciety have raised for all purposes over $2,000. Rev. L., though a young man just entering upon the ministry, has accumulated a handsome library of over seven hundred standard books, selected with care in view of his divine call and life work. During the present pastorate over one hundred have been received into the church, eighty-three by baptism; and now the church roll has over two hundred names. The healthy growth and pros- perity of this branch of Zion is a source of thanksgiving for its members, and encouragement to all other Christian denominations.
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HISTORY OR POWESHIEK COUNTY.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
A class was formed in 1858 by Rev. Abner Orr, with the following members: A. E. Ellis, Sarah E. Ellis, W. W. Sargent and wife, Mrs. Jane Black, A. P. Cook and wife, Nathaniel Ellis and wife, William Gould and wife. The first quarterly meeting held in Grinnell was by Rev. W. F. Cowles, Presiding Elder. The church for a long time held its meetings in the school-house, but after it was incorporated under the State law, a suit- able building was purchased and used for a church till 1868. The full or- ganization was effected April 1, 1865, with Nathaniel Ellis, A. P. Cook, R. J. Kenyon, Elzy Hiatt and Salvador Hayes, trustees. In the year 1868 the church erected a house of worship on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Park Street at a cost of about $6,000. The church is a frame building of ample size, a pride to those who worship there, and an ornament to the city. It was dedicated by Bishop Thompson and the acting pastor, Dennis Murphy.
The names of pastors, with length of pastorate is as follows: Abner Orr, 1858, one year; A. H. Shafer, 1859, one year; P. S. Bresee, 1860, one year; A. H. Shafer, 1861, one year; J. H. Lucas, 1862, one year; George Clammer, 1863, two years; J. D. Moore, 1865, one year; Dennis Murphy, 1866, three years; J. B. Hardy, 1869, one year; J. W. Chaffin, 1870, two years; W. G. Wilson, 1872, two years: L. P. Causey, 1874, one year; J. W. Robinson, 1875, one year; J. C. Brown, 1876, one year; E. L. Briggs, 1877, one year; W. F. Cowles, 1878, two years. Dennis Murphy, the pas- tor of 66-69, is now again in charge.
There is a church membership of one hundred and fifty. There is a flourishing sabbath-school with competent and earnest officers and teachers. James A. Craver and wife died in the same week, in 1871. They had long been faithful members of the church, and their loss was deeply felt by all who knew them.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Organized May, 1880, with about twenty members, of whom the follow- ing is a partial list: J. Wishart and wife, D. A. Burrows, Mary Burrows, Anna Burrows, J. E. Neely and wife, T. C. Wire and wife, Henry Wire, H. Barr. The Rev. C. E. Foote, the present pastor, has done much to advance the interests of the church, and although the cause was started so recently, there are now thirty-two members, with a flourishing sabbath-school. Meet- ings are held each Lord's Day in Stewart's Hall, but there is now a move- for the purpose of erecting a church.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
Several persons holding views of the universal salvation of the human race settled here at an early date, and even before the civil war meetings were held in which their particular views received a hearty support; but it was not till June 11, 1870, that there became a regular church organization. The following persons were among the original members: Abraham Goodrich and wife, L. G. C. Pierce and wife, Jerry Miller and wife, Dr. E. H. Harris and wife, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Mary E. Beaty, P. Baldwin and wife.
The pastors have been Revs. C. P. Nash, S. C. Clark, E. A. Van Cise, Prof. W. P. Payne, Mrs. Fidelia W. Gillette, E. L. Briggs. The present membership is about 25. Services were held in Grinnell Hall for a long time, but now all their meetings are held in Stewart's Hall on Broad Street. Present clerk, L. G. C. Pierce; treasurer, G. M. C. Hatch; deacon, Abra- ham Goodrich; trustees, Dr. E. H. Harris, D. Forbes, G. M. Hatch. The church contemplates building.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The independent district of Grinnell was organized in March, 1867, and Mr. J. Valentine was elected as the first superintendent. Mr. Valentine served two years and two terms, and the excellent organization and grad- ing that are the pride of Grinnell graded schools, are, in a great measure, due to his energy and faithful work.
Mr. V. resigned his situation in April, 1870, and Mr. R. M. Haines was chosen to finish this year.
Mr. R. B. Snell was chosen to fill the vacancy. Mr. S. had charge of the school but two terms when the building was burned-half-past twelve o'clock P. M., Friday, February 24, 1871, and the schools were dismissed un- til the fall of 1871. During the spring and summer of 1871 Center school- building was placed on the site of the old one.
In the summer of 1871 M. Austin was elected superintendent, and dur- ing the administration of this excellent worker the standard of the schools was raised to a high degree. Mr. A. served two years and resigned. Mr. D. G. Edmundson took charge of the schools in the fall of 1873 and remained one year. Mr. A. C. Hart was elected in 1874 and held the situation until the summer of 1879, when the present superintendent was elected. The South school-building was built in the summer of 1877.
School population (males, 420; females, 436) 856
Total enrollment
632
Average attendance. 489
Sittings . 540
No. teachers 13
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
Directors-Mrs. E. W. Clark, Mrs. G. F. Magoun, Prof. H. K. Edson, Hon. H. G. Little, Hon. C. F. Craver, Mr. L. Kimball.
Officers-Hon. H. G. Little, president; S. A. Cravath, secretary, Willis Davis, treasurer; A. T. Free, superintendent.
Teachers, Center school-A. T. Free, superintendent and principal high school; Miss R. E. Southard, assistant in high school; Miss G. L. Bailey, A grammar; Miss A. M. Palmer, B grammar; Miss A. L. Pierce, O gram- mar; Miss L. H. Morris, A primary; Miss L. D. Davis, B primary; Mrs. K. M. Ramey, C primary.
Teachers, South school -- Miss J. L. Bosworth, C grammar; Miss H. E. Martling, A primary; Miss N. L. Lewis, B primary; Miss L. J. Anthony, C primary; Mr. G. S. Needham, teacher vocal music.
GRINNELL HERALD.
The Grinnell Herald was established March 18, 1868, by J. M. Hillyer & Co. The paper was issued every Wednesday, a six column folio, with A. R. Hillyer as editor, and called Poweshiek County Herald. The following appeared each week directly under its name: " A family paper, devoted to literature, news, agriculture, the arts, human freedom and the temperance reform. We labor for justice, humanity and progress, despising tyranny, and sympathizing with the oppressed throughout the world." The editor set forth his intentions, which were well kept, in his salutatory, which is given below:
" In presenting the first number of the Herald to its readers we are not disposed to make large promises, preferring, rather, that our future course should settle the question of its merits or demerits. The only promise we are disposed now to make is that we shall endeavor to make as good a pa- . per as we are able by a diligent use of all means in our power or within our reach for that purpose. Our aim and ambition will be to produce a weekly paper acceptable to all classes of readers.
" Our motto is: Independent in everything -- neutral in nothing! We shall endeavor to be liberal and charitable enough so that our paper shall come as a welcome guest to all newspaper readers except such as are not satisfied with anything short of such ingredients as grow out of bitter par- tizan feelings, or have their origin in a still lower or more dissolute condi- tion of the mind over which virtue has ceased to exercise her sway. And care will be taken that nothing contained in it shall at any time offend the good taste and moral sense of our readers. Whatever we believe to be right we shall fearlessly advocate, and whatever wrong, we shall fearlessly con- demn, whether it be of a local or general character. In politics we are union
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
to the core, and believe every act tending to its dissolution to be treason.
" We shall publish each week, on our first page, a short selected or origi- nal tale; also, a fair amount of space will be given to sketches, humor, anec- dotes, poetry, etc., taking care at all times to admit nothing in this depart- ment unfit for the family; the aim being to instruct and elevate as well as amuse.
" One column or more each week will be devoted to original and selected articles on agriculture; a report of the markets in New York, Chicago and home, corrected from the most authentic sources, will be published weekly.
" The news of the week will be presented in a condensed form, giving our readers everything of value without forcing them to wade through col- umns of unimportant matter.
" With this brief statement of our position and purposes, we launch our bark upon the wave of public opinion to sink or swim as it may merit."
Among the various articles in the first issue we notice: "Our State," "The Impeachment Trial," " Legislative Summary," " News Items," " Our Town" and " The Wine Cup."
The Herald met with good support from the public, and was soon en- larged. We find the paper controlled by Hillyer & B. H. Evans after August 4, 1869, till purchased by Samuel F. Cooper & J. M. Chamberlain. A portion of their salutatory appearing in the Herald, December 15, 1869, is given herewith: "Having bought the Poweshiek County Herald, we have a few words to say to the public respecting our wishes and plans-
" We wish to publish a paper which worthily represents all the interests of the town, county and State. Our plan is to improve our paper and all our facilities for serving the public just as fast as we have their material encouragement to do so.
"We shall publish an outspoken Republican paper, speaking our minds without fear or favor, upon all public questions.
" We mean to lose no opportunity to promote the principles and practice of temperance as one of the political as well as Christian virtues.
" Whatever seems to us to promote the best interest of society, that we mean to give an earnest advocacy in our columns, recognizing the fact that we live for society, and not society for us.
"To unite all our readers in promoting those things which are worthy of us all, will be our political, social and religious aim.
" S. F. COOPER,
"J. M CHAMBERLAIN."
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
August 17, 1870, Mr. Chamberlain assumed entire control, and contin- ued as editor and proprietor till January 11, 1872. August 16, 1871, he materially enlarged the paper, giving it its largest form, and at the same time changed its name to the Grinnell Herald, the name which its ex- changes had always and almost unanimously persisted in calling it.
At this time also "The College News Letter" was introduced as a new and permanent feature of the Herald. In that issue we find the following editorial paragraph:
" It will be seen that we have introduced some new features. The Col- lege News Letter columns are a permanent feature, and speak for them- selves. In these the faculty and students will have freedom, and will gather for our readers, educational news and thoughts such as they will pe- ruse with profit and pleasure. It will be as generous, liberal and universal in its news and thoughts as a liberal education can make it. The religious column is also a permanent feature, and will give to our patrons the care- ful gatherings and writings of the pastors and clergymen of the place."
The News Letter occupied two columns.
For a few months from this time, Rev. J. W. Chaffin assisted in editorial work. His valedi ctory, and Mr. S. A. Cravath's salutatory under date of February 11, 1872, will explain the condition of the paper to the reader much better than any language of your historian.
Mr. Chamberlain announces his retirement from the editorial chair in the following valedictory :
" With this number of the Herald, Dr. Cravath takes the laboring oar and will, hereafter, attend to the business of the Herald office. It is a source of great satisfaction to give to the patrons the assurance that the Herald will receive that attention which it has been impossible for me to give. I now lay down the responsibilities of a work which I have enjoyed, but the pleasure of which has been marred by the fact that other duties so fully claimed my time as to prevent the accomplishment of cherished ambitions in this direction. To those who compare the Herald of to-day with that of two years ago, the change for the better will not appear to be slight and we have not been ashamed, for the last six months, to have it compared with our neighbors in Poweshiek or other counties. The circulation has steadily increased, until it is to-day, much larger than any other paper in the county, though the requisite effort might have doubled the present list.
" The improvements which we have contemplated, await the arrival of new material which has been ordered, and which we hope to give the proof of in our next issue. I bespeak for Dr. Cravath, the liberal patronage of all our business men, and subscriptions from all who are not subscribers.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
The change in the management of the business necessitates a settlement of of all accounts for advertising and job work previous to January 11, 1872, as these are my personal accounts. And in order that the improvements contemplated may be secured, it is necessary that all accounts be promptly adjusted. The subscription list belongs to the new firm, in behalf of which I ask an early payment of all arrearages."
Upon taking control of the paper, Mr. Cravath announced its policy in the following salutatory:
"In assuming the management of the Herald, we do not propose to make any 'new departure' in politics or the world of ideas, nor do we have any particular mission or notions of our own that demand the offices of a news- paper for their publication. We, consequently, feel ourselves free to labor faithfully and earnestly in the interests of Grinnell and Poweshiek county. From the nature of the case, the Herald must partake largely of the char- acter of a local journal. The publication of news, consequently, forms a prominent feature in the plan on which we propose to conduct the Herald. A local press that does not, in a sense, make a specialty of home news, can scarcely be worthy of support and patronage. It is needless for it to at- tempt to compete with metropolitan journals in the large field of general news. The newspaper is, more than anything else, the representative of the thrift and public spirit of a place, and that it may do this truly, every branch of business should be advertised in its columns.
"A large addition to the type and material of the office is being made. Its ability to do all kinds of press and job work will be more than trebled. Before another issue of the Herald we expect to have a new power press in the office and a new dress for the paper. In short, we intend to be able to do anything in our line that our merchants and business men may re- quire, and in a manner to satisfy and please. We hope that we may de- serve and receive the patronage of every man doing business in Grinnell. We beg the indulgence of our patrons until a better acquaintance shall en- able us better to appreciate their wants. Under the able management of J. H. Chamberlain the Herald has already achieved an acknowledged posi- tion among its cotemporaries. Its life has been one of continued growth. With increased resources of the office, we hope that growth may still be apparent under our management."
For nearly two years the proprietors of the Herald were Cravath & Chamberlain, viz: from January 11, 1872, to November, 1873, Mr. Cham- berlain then selling his interest to S. F. Cooper. Mr. Cooper continued with Dr. Cravath as a half owner till May, 1874, then S. A. Cravath be- came sole editor and proprietor.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
For about two years, beginning in 1873, the Herald office also issued the Malcom Gazette and Searsboro Journal, both weeklies, and for about, one year the Gilman Advertiser. It has also printed the Iowa College News Letter, since the fall of 1873, when it became a twelve page monthly, edited by the students. The News Letter receives further comment in the history of Iowa College. During the sitting of the Congregational General Association of Iowa, June 4 to 8, 1879, a daily was issued, giving the entire proceed- ings of the assembly in a correct and excellent form. In February, 1878, the Herald was changed from a weekly four page folio to a semi-weekly four page folio.
November 17, 1879, Albert Shaw, from Iowa College, class '79, became associate editor with Dr. Cravath, and since that time the paper has pros- pered under their united efforts. The following, appearing in the Herald of November 18, is Mr. Shaw's graceful bow to the public:
"As I begin work in the Herald office, it is perhaps appropriate that I should say a few words over my own signature before relapsing finally into the impersonal. Having found Grinnell a pleasant home through my col- lege course, I am disposed to make it my home longer; and, having con- cluded that the newspaper work will prove congenial, I am glad that the home of my choice affords the opportunity to follow the calling of my choice. I have no reforms to introduce; no hobbies to ride; no office to seek. I do not regard a local paper as an avenue to glory, but as a field which, if properly tilled, will afford an honest living and an abundant oppor- tunity of usefulness in the community. Hoping that my connection with the Herald may not prove detrimental to the interests of the paper, or of the public who support it,
"I am, respectfully, "ALBERT SHAW."
The office has every modern improvement that enables it to do superior work. The paper is printed with a Cincinnati cylinder power press, the job work by a Gordon job power press. The attachment of horse power is most convenient and economical. Among other appliances are the Eureka paper cutter and the patent mailer for stamping folded papers. W. H. Day has been foreman eight years, and is considered one of the best profes- sional printers in Iowa. He learned his trade in Burlington, Vt. Dr. Cravath has for nine years been connected with the Herald, and nearly all that time has had entire management of the paper. It has more than a county influence and circulation, and both are rapidly increasing.
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HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY.
GRINNELL INDEPENDENT.
This is one of the most enterprising and best conducted papers in the county, and it has a substantial and increasing circulation. It was estab- lished January 1, 1878, by J. T. Sherman, who had just retired from the Poweshiek County Democrat.
The first issue was an eight column folio, but it was enlarged to a nine- column folio February 6, 1879, and has remained of that size to the present time.
The paper started out independent in political views, as will be seen from the salutatory found in the first issue, and given below; but in the Presi- dential campaign of 1880 it will support Hancock and English, the Demo- cratic candidates, believing thereby the greatest good to the American people will be subserved.
The proprietor of the Independent announced its advent into the news- paper world in the following manner:
"Salutatory-A Happy New Year .- With this salutation, a little late, we present you the first number of the Grinnell Independent. The name stands for our position, yet we presume to make a very few promises, and a brief statement of our views, reserving the liberty to change as a regard for truth shall dictate:
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